Chris Evert re-launches Ellesse in the US. First up, fashion for tennis.

Chris Evert is back with Ellesse, the Italian brand she wore through her 18 Grand Slam titles. This time she’s a shareholder, brand ambassador and designer for “Chris Evert for Ellesse.”

You may recall the brand on Boris Becker, Guillermo Vilas, Pat Cash, Arantxa Sanchez, Hana Mandlikova, and Anna Kournikova as well as Evert. Ellesse left the US market a few years back but has been going strong overseas.

Tennis will be the first category to come back to the States, followed by styles for fitness, skiing, golf and equestrian.

Look for luxury level tennis whites in time for the holiday season at warm-clime pro shops. Colors will follow in early 2012. Tennis shoes will drop in late 2012 along with Ellesse stores, the first of which will be sited on NYC’s upper east side. An online shop is planned as well.

Designs have not been announced yet although I’ll bet we’ll see a bit of retro given the current love for it in the fashion world.

The new focus will be on technologically advanced fabrics both synthetic and natural – cotton, wool, cashmere, linen, silk and blends that include them.

“Function, Feel, Hand and Comfort will be the hallmarks of our fabric choices,” says Technical Designer Sue Kagan. “Ellesse has always been famous for its fit and fit will be a major focus – and I believe a real advantage – for our brand.”

“Looking good puts your mind at ease and gives you confidence,” said Evert. “That’s a major on-court advantage.”

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